Sailing, Wining and Dining in Croatia: Middle & Southern Adriatic
It’s all there in the title. This short guide is here to help you eat good food, drink good wine, and navigate your way through the Adriatic. In case you missed the first part of our guide, you can find it here. Cheers!
Croatia boasts over 1.200 islands scattered along the Adriatic Sea, making it a sailor’s paradise. The calm waters, gentle winds, and a well-established network of marinas make the country ideal for both novice and experienced sailors. The Middle and Southern Adriatic regions offer diverse experiences; from serene, secluded bays to vibrant coastal cities.
Starting your journey: The Middle Adriatic
The Middle Adriatic is a treasure trove of historic towns and pristine islands. Here are some must-visit spots:
Ready for a journey to another planet? National Park Telašćica in the Kornati is a place to go. We suggest sailing on the outer side of the island for the most breathtaking sights of the cliffs you really wouldn’t expect in the Adriatic. Telašćica is also a perfect shelter when you must wait for good weather for a couple of days. Marko’s pro tip: anchor your sailboat, get into a dingy and visit Taverna GO-RO for an unforgettable dinner. (It might be a bit on the pricey side, but it’s worth every penny.) Oh, and have we mentioned there is also a marvellous salt lake on the island itself?
The former ancient city of Issa lies on the most remote inhabited island of Croatia. Now known as Vis, it is a lure for sailors and lovers of peaceful holidays alike. For a long time, Vis was a military area with very limited access for the public. Therefore, there are almost no traces of mass tourism in the interior of the island. Rent a motorbike, and you are about to have a wonderful day trip. In the city of Vis (buoy or mooring), try Restoran Pejoda.
Not your cup of tea? Try Komiža (pier with electricity). There is an almost universal consensus about the unique yet hard-to-define charm of this little town. Put on your flip-flops (you really won’t need any other type of shoes here) and opt for dinner at Jastožera or Konoba Bako.
The authentic Robinson Island. Make sure to visit Konoba Krknjaši when you feel to need for some company and good food. Not the cheapest of the places, but the ambient, the food, and the anchorage are exceptional. Buoys or anchor.
It is conveniently located close to Split and Trogir and a popular spot for the beginning or the end of sailing trips. Is it already time for another octopus in peka? We believe so. Konoba Šešula is a go-to destination. Are you looking for something more upscale? Marina Maslinica, a place for the most demanding guest, equipped with own heliport, is a mere shot away.
Hvar is way more than just a massive all-inclusive tourist destination. There are several authentic small places where time runs at a different pace. Stiniva is definitely one of them. Worth a bit of luck, you will meet local fishermen selling fish or even cooking a meal for you in their home. It’s hard to find a more authentic Adriatic experience. Bonus: free pier at Hafen Stiniva.
The go-to destination for the jet-set bunch. Expect excellent food, excellent wine, a lot of charter boats, and steep prices. Calm down with a glass in Ristorante Palmizana Meneghello or Laganini Lounge bar & Fish house.
Sailing through the Southern Adriatic
As you sail south, the landscape becomes even more dramatic. The Southern Adriatic is home to some of Croatia’s most iconic destinations:
Pelješac: for surfers, kit surfers and wine lovers
The second-largest peninsula in Croatia offers many charming spots, although this whole place (especially Viganj) is more suitable for surfers and kite surfers than sailboats. But don’t cross it off your list. Pelješac is one of the most dynamic wine regions in Europe, with old traditional masters (Vinery Miloš) and new kids on the block (Korta Katarina) pushing the wine scene forward. At dinnertime, sail to the very end of Pelješac to the village of Lovište and try Konoba Barsa (pier with electricity and water). And don’t get scared if you hear strange howling at night – that’s just a pack of local jackals.
Arguably the most beautiful Croatian island and home to beloved late Croatian musician Oliver Dragojević. Vela Luka offers a marina and buoys, andKonoba Bata takes care of the hungry sea travellers. Talking about travellers? There once was a guy born in the city of Korčula and was very eager to see the world. Perhaps you heard of him… His name was Marco Polo.
As we know from physics, time is relative. On Lastovo, one can experience first-hand how it feels when time completely stops. Rent a scooter in the town of Ubli (ask at Solitudo) and take a tour around this blissful island or visit one of more than 40 churches on it. (Why so many? Every time the sailors survived a strong storm on the open seas, they built one to express their gratitude.) Top your stay with a dinner in Konoba Bočvara. Make sure to try a glass of Malvasia Dubrovačka. And make even more sure to stay more than just one day.
Šipanska Luka: Tranquility on the Elaphiti Islands
